Newcastle University

What do you think that books meant to you when you were …

When I was younger? I don’t know. It was such an excitement. Because I do still remember how, you know, excited I was about going to the library. And just the idea that you could get lost into the fantasy and … [inaudible] You know, we didn’t have television then; I mean, I was about nine or ten before we had television. So, you know, you sort of could use your imagination from the books, the pictures, the colours, the feel of it. Just the idea that you could go off .. Because in those days when you went to the library, you absolutely had to be .. You know, it’s very different now, a children’s library. But then you couldn’t – well, nobody could – say a word. You had to go in, get a book .. That’s probably why ... That’s probably why I still … That’s probably stuck with me. And just the idea that you could go off into the quiet and you could also take the books home. I do still have that feeling about books. I still can ... You know. It’s almost like … It’s an enjoyment for me. Part of … You know. I really, really do enjoy it, and think, Oh, I’ve got a book; I can’t wait to get home and start ... I want to read the book. And that was the feeling I got in those days.